The Hunter cover

Released 57 years ago this October

The Hunter

Ike & Tina Turner · 1969

30 min · 9 tracks · blues

A potent blend of blues and rock, infused with Tina's powerful vocals and Ike's gritty guitar work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Hunter — The title track showcases a driving rhythm and a fierce vocal delivery from Tina, establishing the album's tone of assertiveness and determination.
  • →
    Bold Soul Sister — This track stands out as a bold declaration of female strength and independence, capturing the spirit of the era while highlighting Tina's dynamic stage presence.
  • →
    I Smell Trouble — With its haunting melody and intense vocal performance, this song exemplifies the band's ability to convey deep emotion through their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong performances and songwriting but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a driving rhythm and prominent guitar riffs, setting an energetic tone.
  • Tina's vocals are layered with backing harmonies, particularly in 'Bold Soul Sister,' which emphasizes its anthemic quality.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing Ike's guitar work to take center stage alongside the vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • dynamic vocal interplay focus
  • mid-tempo groove enjoyment

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified their reputation post 'River Deep – Mountain High', showcasing their evolving sound.
Career context
The Hunter was released in 1969, marking a moment of artistic evolution for Ike & Tina Turner, following their commercial breakthrough with the album River Deep – Mountain High in 1966. By this time, they had established themselves as a formidable live act, known for their electrifying performances and dynamic sound that melded various genres like soul, blues, and funk.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Hunter 6:30
  • 2 You Don't Love Me 3:00
  • 3 You Got Me Running 3:00
  • 4 Bold Soul Sister 2:35
  • 5 I Smell Trouble 3:45
  • 6 The Things I Used to Do 3:10
  • 7 Early in the Morning 3:00
  • 8 You're Still My Baby 2:45
  • 9 I Know 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata